Prabowo: Many Working from Home, We Can Achieve Efficiency and Save Fuel in Large Quantities

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that Indonesia successfully navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, during which the country achieved significant fuel savings and reduced congestion levels through widespread remote work policies.

Speaking at a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace on Friday, 13 March 2026, Prabowo outlined preparations for potential worst-case scenarios amid tensions between the United States and Israel against Iran.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Prabowo noted that Indonesia conserved substantial quantities of fuel as citizens worked from home. “We addressed Covid-19 successfully. Many people worked from home, we achieved efficiency, meaning we saved fuel in very large quantities,” he stated.

Prabowo provided the example that if civil servants worked from home, the resulting reduction in commuting would alleviate traffic congestion. However, he acknowledged that such measures require careful consideration. “For instance, if some civil servants and officials did not need to go to the office, this would reduce congestion and generate considerable savings. We must also consider reducing working days and other cost-saving measures,” he added.

On the broader geopolitical situation, Prabowo noted that Indonesia remains secure despite the conflict in the Middle East. Nevertheless, he called upon all members of the Red and White Cabinet to remain vigilant. “I believe what I want to convey is that although we feel safe and are not panicking, we must not become complacent. We must prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario,” Prabowo said.

“We hope the worst scenario does not occur in the Middle East, but there are many forecasts suggesting this could become a very protracted war, a very long war,” he concluded.